Olympic spin-off

[Geoff]

A BID has been launched to put Inverclyde on the map in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics.

It is hoped the area can cash in on economic and social spin-offs.

Further opportunities could come from other forthcoming events including the Year of Highland Culture in 2007, Year of the Homecoming in 2009 and Glasgow’s bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Community services convener George White said it was essential to “maximise the opportunity to Inverclyde these events offer”.

“The legacy of these events for future generations is clear,” he said.

Councillor White has invited SportScotland chairman Julia Bracewell OBE, who competed in the Barcelona Olympics, to visit Inverclyde

He said he would also be calling on council officials to explore all possible opportunities.

Councillor White was speaking following taking part in a national VOCAL (Voice of Culture, Community and Leisure) conference in Carnoustie that looked at forthcoming events.

He said the Olympics would give communities all over the UK an opportunity to prosper economically.

“Our proximity to the water will represent unique scenarios for many of the countries around the world to acclimatise locally and use our wide range of facilities,” he said.

Inverclyde’s links with Gaelic communities over the years and close links with Argyll and Bute presented an opportunity for the area to enjoy and share in year-long activities planned during the Year of Highland Culture, he said.

And he said Inverclyde is particularly well-placed for the Scottish Executive-funded Year of the Homecoming, that was encouraging the return of Scots from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and the rest of the world, as many had left from the Tail of the Bank.

greenock telegraph